The (relatively speaking) high speed of the B1900 are well known to Dubai approach and we use it to advantage (I hope).
I'm not having a go at the area guys but we've cringed watching them trying an overtake with a megajet and it just not happening. Then the poor old FC gets vectors half way to Iran and back.
Time to bring back cockpit visits (not much use on a freighter I agree) and familiarisation flights. Time also for more pilots to come visit ATC at either UAE centre or Dubai so we can get a better relationship going.
In answer to your questions:
- depends on whether you're no 1 or no 10 in the sequence. Generally faster is better unless told otherwise.
- we have a groundspeed readout on the aircraft's SSR label but if we're busy might not notice the speed winding up (or down). Failure to fly assigned speeds is a big problem at Dubai with many carriers (though generally not the B1900's) and this type of slackness has caused losses of separation in the past. So a general request - please fly the speed you are asked unless you need to slow down then ask or at least tell us you're slowing.
cheers
Granny